Simpler than RDS.
Faster than DO.

DigitalOcean Managed Databases are friendly and simple, but run on network storage with fewer Postgres-specific controls; here's how we compare.

$ start free → get a free migration

[01] the short version

Why teams move off DO.

DigitalOcean Managed Databases are easy and well-priced versus AWS, but the storage is network-attached, support is general infrastructure support, and Postgres-specific tuning is on you. A comparable 8 GB database runs around ~$122/mo.

PostgresRun runs the same PostgreSQL 17 on local NVMe with dedicated CPU on Pro+, includes PITR backups and built-in pooling, gives you 40+ one-click extensions and deep Postgres expertise — and prices the comparable box at $62/mo.

[02] side by side

Feature comparison.

A fully-managed 8 GB PostgreSQL database, like for like.

Feature	DigitalOcean	PostgresRun
Price (8 GB)	~$122/mo	$62/mo
Storage	Network	Local NVMe
Dedicated CPU	Larger plans	Pro+ (standard)
Backups + PITR	Yes (7-day)	Included (longer retention)
Connection pooling	Built-in pools	PgBouncer included
Read replicas	Yes	Yes
Extensions	Standard set	40+ one-click
Migration help	Self-serve	Free, hands-on
Support	General infra support	Postgres expert
Lock-in	DO ecosystem	Standard PG

Prices are indicative list prices for a comparable single-node, 8 GB managed instance as of 2026 and will vary by region and options. Send us your current DigitalOcean bill and we'll work out your real number.

[03] what you gain

Beyond the price tag.

NVMe instead of network disk

Local NVMe means higher IOPS and lower, more predictable query latency than network-attached storage — with nothing extra to provision.

Dedicated CPU on Pro+

Pro and up run on dedicated cores by default — no noisy neighbours and no jumping to a much larger plan just to escape shared CPU.

A human who tunes Postgres

Slow query? Bad plan? Message a Postgres expert who'll help you fix it — not a general infrastructure support queue.

We move you for free

No self-serve migration to figure out. We plan and run the cutover with you, with minimal downtime, at no cost.

When DigitalOcean might fit better

We'd rather you pick the right tool. DigitalOcean can be the better call when:

You're already all-in on DO — Droplets, App Platform and Spaces — and want one provider and one bill.
You value DO's simple UI and approachable docs above everything else.
Your workload is light and latency-insensitive, so network storage is plenty.

If that's you, DigitalOcean is a fine choice. If you want more Postgres performance and expertise, we're worth a look.

[04] questions

Switching from DigitalOcean.

Will my app need code changes?

No. It's standard PostgreSQL — you change the connection string and you're done. Any driver, ORM or framework that works with DigitalOcean works here.

Can you match DigitalOcean's simplicity?

Yes. You get a live, ready-to-use database in under 2 minutes from a clean dashboard — pooling, backups and PITR are on by default, with nothing extra to wire up.

How much downtime does the migration take?

For most databases, minutes. We replicate your data ahead of time and cut over in a short window we schedule with you. Large or write-heavy databases get a tailored plan.

Do you have an API and CLI like DigitalOcean?

Yes. Provision and manage databases through our API and CLI, so you can script and automate everything just like you do on DO. See the docs.

Simpler than RDS.Faster than DO.